The landscape and nursery sector has a new specialist at the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Metro Vancouver regional agrologist Drew Bondar has taken over the role, formerly held by Karina Sakalauskas, who was appointed specialist for field vegetables and potatoes last fall. “We are pleased that Drew put his hand up to step …
Comeau reappointed to milk board
BC Milk Marketing Board chair Janice Comeau has been reappointed to the role for a third term. Comeau’s current term expires July 31, but a June 27 order in council reappointed her to a third term expiring July 31, 2027. “We look forward to her continued leadership as she helps guide the industry forward to …
Shrinking cattle herd drives prices to record highs
CRANBROOK – North America’s cattle markets are largely explained by simple supply and demand. When there are lots of cattle available, ranchers receive lower prices. When the herd size is smaller, prices trend higher as the market competes for a lower number of animals. This cycle repeats every 10 to 12 years in the cattle …
Crown land conflicts reveal policy gaps
DAWSON CREEK – Recent investigations are calling for more oversight over range use practices surrounding First Nations cultural sites and the spread of invasive plants. However, some in BC’s ranching sector argue that these problems are symptoms of a deeper issue: successive provincial governments putting ranching on the back burner when it comes to policy …
Red biosecurity remains for poultry
The province’s chief vet has lifted an order requiring regulated poultry producers to keep their birds indoors, but biosecurity remains critical due to ongoing threats. The order was lifted June 17, six months after chief veterinary officer Dr. Theresa Burns signed the order to address the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) during the …
BC distanced from TB concerns
BC dairy producers have little to worry about following the discovery of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a Manitoba herd earlier this month. “There is no threat to dairy herds in British Columbia,” Dylan Kruger, public affairs director with the BC Dairy Association told Country Life in BC on June 16. While the industry is monitoring …